Getting Started: Examining All Sides To An Ethical Issue
Getting Startedexamining All Sides To An Ethical Issue Is Important In
Getting started examining all sides to an ethical issue is important in being able to reach an outcome that aligns with your moral standards. You will continue to refine your skill of ethical reasoning in addition to identifying ethical principles. In this activity, you will begin to examine other classmates’ views of the case study from Workshop 1.3 and identify areas in which your opinions differ. You will explore how ethical decisions made by leaders impact stakeholders by casting light or shadows. Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to: — Distinguish leadership actions that cast light from those that cast shadows. — Evaluate organizations in terms of their ethical behavior.
Resources include the textbook: Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership and background information on Borland's beginnings involving Philippe Kahn. The case discusses how Kahn, CEO and Chairman of Borland International, used strategic yet arguably questionable business tactics to build the company, such as hiring 'extra people' to appear busy and lying about advertising budgets to secure a major software sale for $150,000. This situation raises questions about the ethics of such decisions and their impacts on stakeholders, including employees, competitors, and the broader industry.
In this activity, you will review classmates’ posts regarding the Borland case, select at least one who presents a differing or opposite perspective, and respond by analyzing similarities or differences, defending your viewpoint, and discussing the ethical shadows exhibited by Kahn and their effects. Your responses must be at least 300 words, supported by scholarly sources and including a biblical perspective where appropriate. You should also identify and explore ways Kahn could have achieved his goals more ethically, taking into account the multiple levels of ethical issues involved.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The Borland case presents a complex scenario involving strategic business moves that, while effective, raise significant ethical questions. Philippe Kahn’s tactics in maneuvering through competitive pressures and resource limitations demonstrate the fine line between shrewd leadership and ethical misconduct. Analyzing this case requires a comprehensive understanding of the different levels at which ethical issues operate—societal, stakeholder, internal policy, and personal levels.
Introduction
The foundations of ethical decision-making in leadership are critical in shaping organizational culture and stakeholder trust. The Borland case exemplifies how strategic choices, motivated by growth ambitions, can toe the boundary between innovation and deception. This paper explores the ethical implications of Kahn’s actions by analyzing the case through the lens of the Four Levels of Ethical Issues outlined in the literature.
Analysis of the Borland Case
Philippe Kahn, during Borland's formative years, chose to employ tactics that involved deception—advertising in Byte magazine without proper funds and creating a false impression of business activity. These actions can be viewed through different ethical lenses: the company’s societal standing, stakeholder interests, internal policies, and personal morals.
Societal Issues
Within societal concerns, Kahn’s strategies arguably compromised the integrity of honest business practices. His approach may have benefited Borland temporarily but potentially undermined trust in the software industry at large, especially regarding transparency and fairness (Ferrell et al., 2019). Such tactics risk broader societal damage by promoting a culture of deception disguised as savvy business acumen.
Stakeholder Issues
Stakeholders—including employees, investors, customers, and competitors—are impacted differently. Employees may feel conflicted or demoralized if they perceive leadership relies on dishonest practices. Competitors, like Lotus, could consider such tactics unfair and damaging to industry standards (Trevino & Nelson, 2021). Customers might question the credibility of Borland’s reputation if exposed, which can harm future business prospects.
Internal Policy Issues
Decisions made without transparent internal policies or ethical guidelines signal organizational deficiencies. Kahn’s unilateral decision-making suggests a lack of ethical oversight, risking internal discord and undermining corporate governance. Establishing clear policies could prevent reliance on questionable tactics (Weber & Wasieleski, 2014).
Personal Morals and Shadows
Kahn’s actions exhibit traits associated with ethical shadows, such as deception and manipulation. As discussed by Wetsel (2020), such shadows tarnish leadership integrity, affecting not only external perception but also internal morale. These shadows have tangible consequences for stakeholders, especially employees whose trust and morale are compromised.
Ethical Evaluation
Kahn’s tactics can be labeled as both shrewd and deceptive. While his business acumen might be admirable, the means by which he achieved success involve ethically questionable behaviors. Ethical leadership emphasizes transparency, honesty, and fairness—values that appear compromised in this case.
Alternative Ethical Strategies
If Kahn sought to achieve his goals ethically, he could have approached Byte magazine with an honest request, explaining his financial limitations and proposing alternative advertising strategies. Such transparency aligns with ethical principles and builds long-term trust. Additionally, seeking external funding or sponsorships could have provided legitimate means for promotion (Kidder, 2005). These approaches would respect the four levels of ethical issues, prioritizing societal trust, stakeholder interests, internal compliance, and personal integrity.
Conclusion
The Borland case underscores the importance of examining all sides of an ethical dilemma before making decisions that could cast shadows. Leaders bear the responsibility of balancing strategic objectives with ethical considerations, ensuring their actions contribute positively rather than undermine societal or industry standards. Ethical leadership fosters sustainable success and preserves stakeholder trust, essential for long-term organizational health.
References
- Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
- Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living. HarperOne.
- Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2021). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.
- Weber, J., & Wasieleski, D. (2014). Exploring Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Intensity. Journal of Business Ethics, 125(2), 371–385.
- Wetsel, G. (2020). Shadows in Leadership: Recognizing and Mitigating Ethical Shadows. Leadership Quarterly, 31(2), 101-113.
By analyzing the Borland case through multiple ethical levels, we understand that transparent, honest practices foster trust and sustainability in business. Leaders must navigate complex dilemmas with integrity, considering the broader impact of their decisions on society, stakeholders, internal policies, and their personal morals.